The municipality of Blagoevgrad is located in the
southwestern corner of Bulgaria and covers an area of approximately 628 km2, on
which Blagoevgrad itself and 25 adjacent villages are situated. The region of
Blagoevgrad includes parts of three of the biggest Bulgarian mountains - Rila,
Pirin and the Rhodopes and is well known under the name of Pirin region. The
city of Blagoevgrad is the major city in the region and one the most important
economic and cultural centers in Southwest Bulgaria. The main international
routes connecting Bulgaria with Greece and Bulgaria with the Republic of
Macedonia pass through it. Blagoevgrad also allows easy access to the Bulgarian
capital of Sofia (approximately 100 kilometers to the north) and to all towns in
the region.
The region around Blagoevgrad has abundant natural resources. The Blagoevgrad
area is part of the region, known as "Pirin" which is characterized by
its unique geographic location, physical beauty of the surrounding mountains,
and rich flora and fauna. Three majestic mountain ranges grace the plain -- the
Rila, Pirin and Rhodopes. Picturesque lakes and roaring rivers provide the
region with pure, fresh spring water. The names of the local rivers Bistritsa,
Glazene, Struma and Mesta echo in the songs and the folklore of the region. The
Blagoevgrad municipality has an ample supply of pure mineral water, river
systems and lush mountain forests. The landscape is varied and beautiful. The
physical characteristics combine to make Blagoevgrad the largest and most
important town in southwestern Bulgaria. It is an important cultural,
administrative, and industrial center for the entire southwestern part of the
country.